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(WPohlDesign/iStock/Getty Images)
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Tighter supplies underpin western Canadian feeder market

Weather conditions may sway buying interest

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Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were unchanged to $4 higher. Heavier calves notched a week-over-week gain of $2-$4. Mid-weight and lighter calves traded steady to $5 lower in Alberta but $4-$5 on either side of unchanged in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Yearling numbers were limited and buyers paid up for quality packages while […] Read more
Photo: Canada Beef
Beef Cattle, Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder cattle market experiences weather volatility 

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Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearling prices traded $3 to $4 on either side of side of unchanged while calves traded $5 lower to as much as $6 higher. The calf market tends to experience a seasonal bounce every November. In certain cases, buyers appeared to step forward more aggressively last week in anticipation […] Read more
Photo: Canada Beef Inc.
Beef Cattle, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Alberta feedlot backlog limits demand for feeder cattle 

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Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearling prices traded steady to $2 lower on average while calf markets were down $3 to $5. Feedlots in Alberta and Saskatchewan are backed up with significant numbers of market ready fed cattle which has set a negative tone for replacement cattle. Carcass weights are nearing historical highs. Barley […] Read more
Backgrounding feeding programs are often tailor-made to each beef producer’s situation. The rate of gain can be achieved over short-45 day, medium-90 day and longer-kept 120-day feeding programs.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Pencil out the economics of backgrounding

Working through a "what-if" scenario helps in deciding whether to feed

By
As most of the leaves have fallen, many spring calves are being weaned. It’s also when many beef producers determine whether their weaned calves are immediately sold or held for further feeding. Regardless of the final choice, backgrounding calves takes a bit of homework and should pay off with increased revenue if the goals, the […] Read more
File photo of cattle on feed near Champion, Alta., about 75 km north of Lethbridge. (James_Gabbert/iStock/Getty Images)
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Uncertain fed cattle market weighs on feeder cattle

U.S. feeder demand seen relatively sluggish

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Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings (900 lbs. and over) appeared to trade $6-$8 lower on average; yearlings weighing 800-900 lbs. off grass were unchanged. Backgrounded yearlings were also $6-$8 lower. Mid-weight calves were unchanged but calves under 600 lbs. were $3 to as much as $10 lower in some cases. Feedlot operators pulled […] Read more
Andrea gives grandson Christopher a ride on a quiet old horse named Ed.
Cattleman’s Corner, Rancher’s Diary

Opportunity arrived to help a neighbour

Health issues seemed to dominate September, as the first frost of the season arrives

By
September 9 Weather continues very hot. The creek is low but Andrea is managing to keep watering some of our fields with just a trickle from a couple of our ditches. She brought Christopher Sunday afternoon and we gave him another ride on Ed. This time he rode past the end of our driveway and […] Read more
(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Stronger barley prices limit upside for feeder cattle complex

Feedlot operators make barley purchases, price feeder cattle accordingly

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Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2 higher to as much as $5 lower. A softer tone was noted on yearlings in the eastern Prairie regions. Calf prices were steady to $4 lower on average compared to seven days earlier. Quality yearling packages fresh off grass held value but backgrounded heavier replacements […] Read more
Photo: Canada Beef Inc.
Beef Cattle, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Demand fears cause feeder cattle market volatility

Barley values continue upward

By ,
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $4 higher to as much as $6 lower. Strength was noted in the eastern Prairie regions while the market was softer in Alberta. Western Canadian calves were extremely volatile, trading $5 higher to as much as $10 lower in some cases. It’s not uncommon for markets […] Read more
Research shows cows kept in proper condition in fall and early winter will have a much better chance of raising high producing calves the following year.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Cow nutrition now has huge impact on 2023 calves

Keeping animals properly fed this fall will lead to high-performing calves next year

By
Many beef producers I’ve talked to over the years have improved cow nutrition after their cows are confirmed pregnant, but there still are the diehards that don’t believe they need much nutrition. That’s too bad, because sound research has proven that poor nutrition during the early/mid-gestation months can sharply reduce newborn calf survival and long-term […] Read more
Photo: Canada Beef
Beef Cattle, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Steady demand underpins feeder cattle complex

By ,
Compared to last week, Alberta yearling markets traded $2-$4 on either side of unchanged; however, 800-pound-plus cattle in Manitoba and Saskatchewan appeared to trade $4-$6 higher. Yearling prices across the Prairies are now relatively even with no freight discounts from major southern Alberta markets. Calf markets are becoming more defined with larger volumes on offer. […] Read more

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